What is Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine)?
Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) is an oral selective estrogen receptor modulator, which is used in breast cancer, and is currently the world's largest selling breast cancer treatment
What is Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) used for?
Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic breast cancer), to treat breast cancer in certain patients after surgery and radiation therapy, and to reduce the chances of breast cancer in high-risk patients. This medication can block the growth of breast cancer. It works by interfering with the effects of estrogen in the breast tissue.
Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) Facts
Active Ingredients: Tamoxifen citrate
Other Ingredients: lactose, corn starch, gelatin, crosscarmelose, sodium, magnesium stearate, methylhydroxy, macrogol 300 and titanium dioxide.
Class and Mechanism: Tamoxifen is an antiestrogen (blocks the effect of estrogen on tissue). The precise mechanism of its action is unknown, but one possible mechanism is that it binds and blocks estrogen receptors on the surface of cells, preventing estrogens from binding and activating the cell. It is used in patients for treating and preventing breast cancer. Controversy currently exists as to which breast cancer patients will benefit from this treatment.
Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) Storage
Always keep the Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) in the same container it came in. Make sure it is tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture; do not store this medication in the bathroom
Always be sure to dispose of any medication that is no longer needed or outdated. Be sure to ask your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
How to take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine)?
Take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You may take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
When OVERDOSE is suspected call an emergency room or poison control center. Hypocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, and upper gastrointestinal adverse events, such as upset stomach, heartburn, esophagitis, gastritis, or ulcer, may result from oral over dosage.
What to do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, and then take the next dose as usual. Do not take double or extra doses. If you vomit after taking a dose call your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
Who should not take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine)?
You should not take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer if you have ever had blood clots or if you develop blood clots that require medical treatment.
You should not take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer if you are taking medicines to thin your blood (anticoagulants) like warfarin (Coumadin).
You should not take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) if you plan to become pregnant while taking Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) or during the two months after you stop taking it because Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine)may harm your unborn child.
You should not take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) if you are breast-feeding.
You should not take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) or Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) citrate (the chemical name) or any of its ingredients.
You should not take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) to decrease the chance of getting breast cancer if you are less than age 35 because Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) has not been tested in younger women.
Children should not take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) because treatment for them has not been sufficiently studied.
What side effects may occur?
Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- loss of sexual desire or ability (in men)
- increased bone or tumor pain
- excessive tiredness
- vaginal discharge
- stomach cramps
- loss of appetite
- upset stomach
- thinning of hair
- constipation
- hot flashes
- depression
- headache
- dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them or those listed in the important warning section, call your doctor immediately:
- persistent pain or reddening around the tumor site
- pain or swelling of the legs
- shortness of breath
- vision problems
Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this drug.
Generic Drug Interactions
If Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) with the following:
- Aminoglutethimide (Cytadren)
- Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
- Bromocriptine (Parlodel)
- Cancer drugs such as Cytoxan
- Letrozole (Femara)
- Phenobarbital
- Rifampin (Rifadin)
Additional Information
Do not share Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) for other health conditions. Keep Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) out of the reach of children. If using Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
You should see your doctor immediately and stop taking Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) if you become pregnant while taking the drug. Please talk with your doctor about birth control recommendations. If you are capable of becoming pregnant, you should start Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) during a menstrual period or if you have irregular periods have a negative pregnancy test before beginning to take Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine). Generic Nolvadex (Tamoxifine) does not prevent pregnancy, even in the presence of menstrual irregularity.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (x-rays, height measurement, blood mineral levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
